§ Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current situation with foot and mouth disease restrictions in southern England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI am pleased to announce that no further outbreaks of the disease have been confirmed since the single case near Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, which was confirmed on Sunday 22 March. Consequently, the restrictions applicable to that part of the infected area which was on the mainland, comprising parts of Hampshire and Dorset, have been lifted today.
The infected area restrictions continue to apply to the Isle of Wight, and movement restrictions remain on certain farms which received animals through Ringwood and Shaftesbury markets. We hope to be able to remove these remaining restrictions in about one week's time, provided there is no further evidence of the disease.